Pune: MNS Protest to Open Sinhagad Flyover; Police Detain Party Workers
Pune, 25th August 2025: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) staged a protest on Monday demanding the immediate opening of the newly constructed flyover on Sinhagad Road, accusing authorities of delaying its inauguration for political reasons.
A heavy police presence was deployed as MNS workers gathered in large numbers. Tensions flared when protesters clashed with police, removed barricades, and attempted to storm the flyover. Several were detained, but not before climbing onto a crane they had brought along and symbolically “inaugurating” the flyover amid loud slogans.
To ease traffic congestion, flyovers have been built on both sides of Sinhagad Road. While the Dhayari-bound stretch is already operational, the lane towards Rajaram Bridge remains closed. MNS leaders argued that the delay is forcing citizens to endure daily traffic jams, accusing the administration of holding the public “hostage” until ministers from the ruling party are available for a formal ceremony.
Commuters were caught in fresh traffic snarls as the protest created chaos in the area during peak morning hours.
The Pune Municipal Corporation has maintained that minor construction work is still pending on the unopened stretch. However, opposition parties, including Congress, Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction), and MNS, allege the delay is politically motivated, with leaders vying for credit.
Just two days earlier, Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) workers had organized a hom-havan (ritual) at the site, and on Monday, MNS city president Sainath Babar led the protest with a more aggressive approach.
